Water-column.



(lo Model.)

W. P. PHILLIPS.

WATER COLUMN.

(Application filed Oct. 21, 1901.)

Patented Oct. 7, I902.

2 Sheets-$-heet I.

No. 710,80l. Patented Oct. 7, I902.

W. P. PHILLIPS.

WATER COLUIN.

Application filed 0a. 21, 1901.

(lo Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 llll' 1' //////////l I z El!!! ;s

in! ma mutn. mm. mm. :1. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

lVILLIAM P. PHILLIPS, OF HARVARD, MASSACHUSETTS.

WATER-COLUMN.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 710,801, dated October 7, 1902.

Application filed October 21,1901. Serial No. 79,379. (No model.)

To (all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM P. PHILLIPS,

a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Harvard, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful'lmprovements in ater-Columns, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in the columns employed in connection with the water-gages of boilers, having reference more particularly to that type which blows a whistle or gives some similar audible signal when the water in the boiler varies by a predetermined amount from the normal level. The invention is directed to the joint production of a visible and an audible signal to indicate and record abnormal conditions of the water-level and to the improvement of the mechanism by which these signals are effected.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a partial central vertical section through a water-column to which is applied one embodiment of my invention, parts being shown in elevation with portions broken away. Fig. 2 is a sectional detail on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a similar view on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. i is a front elevation of another form of recording mechanism, parts being broken away. Fig. 5 is a sectional detail on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a similar view on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 is a full elevation of another form of my invention, parts being shown in section. All sections are taken in the direction of the arrows.

Similar characters indicate like parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

The numeral 10 in Fig. 1 designates a column or chamber provided with suitable connections for attachment to a boiler in the usual manner. To this may be connected the customary gage-glass and gage-cocks, (not illustrated in this figure, but shown at 10 and 10", respectively, upon the column 10 of Fig. '7.) The chamber is shown as closed at the top by a cap 11, preferably of considerable height, from which may lead the steam connection at 2, and from the inside of this cap projects a bracket 13, extending downward for a short distance into the chamber and being provided with a substantially horizontal arm 14, from which rises a substantially vertical arm 15. Within the chamber is a float 16, from which a rod 17 projects upward, prefer ably having a hearing at 18 in the bracket and. being provided with a pair of contact members 19 and 20, situated, respectively, below and above the bracket, which may be adjustably retained in position on the rod by set-screws 21.

Vith the contact members coaet a pair of levers 22 23, the first of which is pivoted at 24 upon the lower side of the bracket-arm 14 and may be connected by a link 25 with the end of the lever 23, the last-named lever being fulcrumed at or near the end of the arm '15. The opposite end of the lever 22 preferably projects through an opening 28 in the end of a rod or member 29, which is shown as sliding in a bearing in the bracket and has its upper end of conical form to coact with a suitable seat 30, formed in the wall of a passage 31, extending from within the chamber to a whistle 32, mounted upon the cap. The lever 22 conveniently encircles the rod 17 and is provided at 33 with a rounded projection with which the contact member 10 may coact when the float rises with the water in the column, the position of this projection on the side of the rodopposite the fulcrum of the lever being such as to give increased leverage. The inner end of the lever 23 is situated in the 'path of the contact member 20, to be engaged thereby as the float falls.

The distribution of weight of the lever 22 is such that when the water in the boiler is between the extreme points at which it is desired an alarm shall be given the levers and associated parts are held in the position shown in Fig. 1. The degree of buoyancy of the float and the adjustment of the contact members place the latter at substantially equal distances from their respective levers when the water-level is at the normal height. If the water rises above the predetermined point, the lower contact member engages the projection from the lever 22 and raising this end draws down the valve-rod, admitting steam to the whistle and sounding the alarm to notify the attendant of the condition. If, on the other hand, the water falls to a dangerously low level, the upper contact member strikes the lever 23 and acting through the link and its companion lever lowers the valve and in a like manner sounds the alarm. It will be seen that the connection of the lever and valve is such that but few elements are required and that the arrangement is compact, without long connecting-rods, and is easily accessible.

To render visible and furnish a permanent record of the existence of a condition of high and low water, visible signal or indicating mechanism, preferably comprising a'recording mechanism, is attached to the column, to which pressure is admitted at such times to actuate an indicating member, here shown as a pencil or stylus, to produce a mark upon some suitable surface. In the present instance this device is shown as connected to the whistle to operate at the same time that it is sounded and may comprise a receiver or cylinder 34, connected with the inlet-pipe of the whistle by a pipe 35. WVithin the cylinder is a movable member, such as a diaphragm or, as is here illustrated, a piston 36, held normally downward by a spring 37 and carrying a rod 38, extending through the head of the cylinder and provided with a marking point or stylus 39, pressed by a spring 39 into contact with a record-receiving surface, which may consist of a card 40, carried by a suitable frame 41.

When steam is admitted to the passage 31 by the opening of its valve because of high or low water, it is evident that in addition to the whistle being blown the piston will be forced up by the pressure, causing the stylus to make a mark upon the card, and thus the attention of the fireman or other attendant will not only be called to the improper state of the water-level, but a record will be produced which may be inspected at any time by the superintendent, owner, or like person in authority to inform them of any neglect in this respect by the attendant. When by the restoration of the water to its proper level the valve closes and the steam is shut off, the spring returns the piston and indicating member to their normal position, where they are maintained until the valve again opens.

As it may be desirable to have on record the number of times such neglect may have occurred, means are provided for moving the stylus and card relatively to each other in a direction at an angle to that of the piston in its recording movement, so that a separate mark is produced for each travel of said piston. As here shown, the stylus is mounted upon a nut 42, carried upon a threaded rod 43, rotatable in hearings in an arm 44, carried by the piston-rod, the nut being held against rotation by the engagement of one side with the arm at 45, while it is free to be traversed thereon by the rotation of the threaded rod. This rod has fast upon it a ratchet-wheel 46, and pivoted upon the side of the frame at 47 is a detent 48, held in the path of the ratchet-teeth by a spring 49, pressing it against a stop 50. It is evident that afterthe stylus has been raised by the piston upon its again being forced down by the spring the ratchet will be engaged by the detent and turning the rod traverses the nut and causes the stylus to assume a position to produce a new and separate record. The rod 43 may be provided with a thumb-piece 50 for use in returning the nut and stylus to their initial position. Water accumulating in the cylinder may escape through a very small opening at 50".

For convenience in testing or to permit the removal of the recording device the pipe 35 may be provided with a valve 51, the lever 51 of which to prevent an unauthorized person from cutting out the recording device may be secured bya padlock 52 to perforated lugs 53, projecting from the column.

Although the recording mechanism has been shown in connection with the whistle, it is clear that it might be equally well employed without any audible signal and also that the pipe 35 might be of any length to permit said mechanism to be removed to a point distant from the boiler, or the steampressure might operate a contact device whereby a recording device in the office or residence of the superintendent or owner would be actuated electrically.

Figs. 4 to 6 illustrate another form of my registering mechanism, in which a stylus 54 is rotated over segments or divisions of a dial 55 to indicate a series of separate records. Here the stylus is carried by an arm 56, clamped by a nut 57 upon a shaft 58, rotatable in bearings in a casing 59. The casing may be closed by a glazed door 60, provided with a lock 61, to prevent tampering with the record. A spring-pressed piston 62 may operate in the cylinder 63, connected as hereinbefore described and carrying upon its rod 64 an arm 65, provided witha pivoted detent 66. This detent as it rises engages and causes the rotation of a ratchet-wheel 67, fast upon the shaft 58, thus rotating the shaft and arm, resulting in the stylus marking an arc of a circle upon the dial, a series of these arcs furnishing a plurality of records. A detent 67 pivoted to the casing may be employed to prevent reverse movement of the ratchetwheel. The clamping-nut 57 permits the stylus to be returned to its initial point, if desired.

In Fig. 7 is shown a form of my invention for producing separate records for high and low water. The float and elements it carries may be similar to those already described, except that here are further shown a pair of intersecting transverse arms 68, mounted on a projection from the lower side of the floor and having their outer ends extending into close proximity to the Wall of the chamber to prevent undue lateral play of the float and consequent cramping of the rod in its bearing.

The contact members may coact with separate levers 69 and 70, retained in their normal positions by weights or springs, as is convenient, and controlling high and low water valves 71 and 7 2, respectively located in passages, as hereinbefore described. Each passage may communicate with a whistle 73 to sound a warning signal and with separate recording devices 74: 75, which, as here illustrated, are similar to those of Figs. 1 to 3, except that the one for low water being in elevation shows a glazed and locked door 7 6 in the frame, covering the card or record receiving member.

The above arrangement not only shows the employer the fact of the negligence of the employee, but also indicates its nature.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- 1. In awater-column, the combination with a chamber provided with a passage therefrom, of audible and visible signal mechanism in communication with the passage, means for controlling the admission of steam to the passage whereby a plurality of signals is produced when an abnormal condition of the water-level exists, and means for returning the visible signal to its normal position when steam is shut ofl. from the passage.

2. In a water-column, the combination with a chamber provided with a passage therefrom, of audible and visible signal mechanism in communication with the passage, a valve controlling the admission of steam to said passage, a float Within the chamber, lever mechanism coacting with the valve and float, and means for maintaining the visible signal in its normal position when the valve is closed.

3. In a water-column, the combination with a chamber provided with a passage therefrom, of audible signal mechanism opening directly into the passage, a cylinder in communication with said passage, visible signal mechanism actuated by the pressure in the cylinder, and means for controlling the admission ofsteam to the passage.

i. In awater-column, the combination with a chamber provided with a passage therefrom, of audible signal mechanism opening directly into the passage, a cylinder in communication with said passage, visible signal mechanism actuated by the pressure in the cylinder, a valve controlling the admission of steam to the passage, a float within the chamber, and lever mechanism coacting with the valve and float.

5. In a water-column, the combination with a chamber provided with a passage therefrom, of audible signal mechanism opening directly into the passage, a cylinderin communication with said passage, a piston in the cylinder, an indicating member operated by the piston, means for controlling the admission of steam to the passage, and means for returning the indicating member to its normal position when steam is shut off from the passage.

(3. In a water-column, the combination with a chamber provided with a passage therefrom, of audible signal mechanism and a cylinder in communication with the passage, a piston in the cylinder, an indicating member operated by the piston, a valve controlling the admission of steam to the passage, a float within the chamber, lever mechanism coacting with the valve and float, and means for maintaining the indicating member in its normal position when the valve is closed.

7. In a water-column, a chamber provided with a cap and a signal in communication with said chamber, of a valve controlling the passage of steam to the signal, a substantially vertical arm carried by the cap and projecting into the chamber, a substantially horizontal arm projecting from said vertical arm, a float in the chamber, and a lever adapted to be actuated by the float pivoted to each of the arms and connected together, one of said levers being connected with the valve.

8. In a water-column, the combination with a chamber and a signal in communication therewith, of a valve controlling the passage of steam to the signal, a float within the chamber, a rod projecting from the float, a contact member carried by the rod, and a lever adapted to coact with the contact member, said lever being fulcrumed at one side of the rod and connected with the valve, one of these coacting members being provided with a projection located on the opposite side of the rod from the fulcrum of the lever and contacting with the other member.

9. In a water-column, the combination with a chamber and a signal in communication therewith, of a valve controlling the passage of steam to the signal, a float within the chamber, a rod projecting from the float, a guide for the rod mounted within the chamber, arms carried by the float extending into close proximity to the walls of the chamber, a contact member on the rod, and a lever situated in the path of the contact member and connected with the-valve.

Signed by me at Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, this 18th day of October, 1901.

WILLIAM P. PHILLIPS.

Witnesses:

W ALTER E. Lounnno, Onnnnns F. LOGAN. 

